His contract was due to end in the summer, allowing him to talk to overseas clubs from 1 January and sign a pre-contract agreement.

However, United have extended his deal for another year.

As manager Jose Mourinho confirmed after Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Young Boys, United are keen to hold on to the keeper, who has won United’s player of the year award four times in the past five seasons.

It is understood De Gea is open to the idea of remaining at the club, although as yet there has been no agreement on terms, with De Gea’s camp mindful of the enormous salary United agreed to pay Alexis Sanchez when he joined from Arsenal 10 months ago.